Simcoe-Grey Conservatives get nomination date

In mid-March, Conservatives will have a new flag-bearer in Simcoe-Grey. On Sunday, the party's national office informed the local nominating committee that the candidate nomination process had begun.

The Conservatives have been without a candidate since the party dumped Helena Guergis last year. Guergis now sits as an Independent Conservative Member of Parliament.

Three candidates have come forward: former Collingwood mayor Chris Carrier; long-time resident and a member of Peter MacKay's political staff, Paul Throop; and Sick Kids orthopaedic surgeon, Kellie Leitch.

The candidates were informed early Monday morning that the process had officially begun.

It's anticipated a meeting could be held March 19.

Sources say a suitable location is still being scouted for a nomination meeting, as it's suggested more than a thousand - and perhaps as many as 2,000 - party members in the riding would be eligible to cast a ballot.